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Temporary citizens ,
The option scheme (Optionsregelung) has been in force in German citizenship law since 2000, applying to children born in Germany whose parents are foreign. They receive German nationality because they were born in Germany, but in most cases they also receive their parents’ nationality in parallel. Since the principle applies in German law that multiple nationalities are to be avoided, these individuals have so far been subject to the option scheme. This means that they have to opt for one nationality or another between the ages of 18 and 23. The appropriate administrative procedures have already been in operation since 2008 because of a transitional arrangement applying to children who had already been born in 2000. This has now affected more than 20,000 young adults nationwide so far, two-thirds of whom have Turkish parents.
The first comprehensive study on the topic
After two research reports prepared by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) dealt with aspects of the option scheme back in 2012, we are now submitting the first comprehensive monograph on this topic. The author, who is on the staff of the BAMF’s Research Centre, uses in her dissertation the data that had been collected there to analyse the selection of nationality on the part of the “option children”. This is incorporated into an analysis of the manner in which the option scheme came into being, and of the integration policy controversies which have arisen in Germany in this regard, as well as into theoretical approaches within social science to explain the decision-making conduct. This is concluded by an evaluation of the statutory reform of the option scheme which took place recently in light of the information that had been obtained.
The majority opt pragmatically for a German passport
According to the results of the study, the vast majority of young adults currently obliged to exercise an option opt for a German passport. Pragmatic motivations are predominant here, such as the legal advantages which Germans and EU citizens have vis-à-vis nationals of third countries. Having said that, there is also an emotional momentum, such as the awareness of having been born and having grown up in Germany and wanting to continue to live here. A decision in favour of German nationality is also supported in most cases by the parents and same-age friends of the “persons obliged to exercise an option” (Optionspflichtige).
A minority of them, by contrast, finds it difficult to select a nationality, and puts this decision off, typically because of ties with their parents' country of origin. Age-specific factors such as uncertainty with regard to life plans also play a role here. More detailed data analyses show that both the perceived tensions, as well as gender, exert a significant influence on the decision-making tendencies.
The study was drawn up by: Dr. Susanne Worbs
This publication is only available in German.